Cordia Sebestena is an evergreen, drought-deciduous, flowering, large perennial shrub or small tree with a dense symmetrical, rounded canopy. Cordia sebestena grows to a maximum height of 25–30 feet at maturity, with a nearly equal spread. The crown is round to vase-shaped. Branches tend to be somewhat drooping, and the tree is naturally multitrunked. When only a single trunk is allowed to develop, it can attain a diameter of 12 inches.
The dense, evergreen foliage consists of dark green, leathery, alternate, ovate leaves, seven inches long, with wavy margins. These leaves are covered with small hairs, lending them a rough, “sandpapery” texture. Flowers are produced in clusters at branch ends throughout the year, particularly in the spring and summer. They are dark orange in colour, tubular and flaring salverform to a width of two inches. Pear-shaped fruits follow the flowers, averaging two inches in length. Fruits are fragrant and edible, but not flavorful.
